By Branden Ferguson

In most degree programs, hands-on experience is essential to the learning process that prepares students for their careers. For two Bowling Green State University students pursuing degrees in construction management, their on-the-job training is more unique than most.

BGSU senior Michael Murray and junior Ethan Schliesser are helping renovate two buildings on campus — gaining firsthand knowledge and experience in the construction industry while making tangible contributions to the growth and evolution of campus.

Ranked as the No. 1 university in Ohio for student experience by the Wall Street Journal, BGSU consistently evaluates ways to enhance its academic, housing and extracurricular spaces. Murray and Schliesser are completing co-ops with the companies tasked with constructing and renovating Kohl Hall and the new state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center at BGSU.

Schliesser is a project engineer intern with Mosser Construction, the general contractor managing the Technology Engineering Innovation Center project.

"Working at Mosser Construction has allowed me to apply my education from the classroom to my work in the real world," Schliesser said. "I feel honored to have the chance to impact BGSU and its future construction management students."

Across campus at Kohl Hall, Murray is working with Gilbane Building Company to renovate the residence hall.

"Being able to work on a project on the campus of my future alma mater is extremely rewarding," said Murray. "BGSU is full of amazing buildings and so much history. Being able to restore one of those buildings not only makes me proud but also provides future students the opportunity to utilize the building and its amenities."

Unique program design is leading to successful careers

Nationally accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), the construction management program at BGSU is uniquely blended with architecture and environmental design. Students study and work with their peers just as construction managers do in the real world. BGSU is the only higher education institution in Ohio that prioritizes this approach through its School of the Built Environment.

"As the profession and industry embraces new delivery systems such as integrated design, design/build and design assistance, the BGSU School of the Built Environment allows students from both programs to learn and study alongside each other," said Dr. Arsenio Rodrigues, director of the School of the Built Environment. "BGSU students graduate knowing how to design and how to build their architectural visions."

For Schliesser, the ability to be a well-rounded professional is what drew him to BGSU.

"Working side-by-side with architecture students has been beneficial to me as a professional, giving me a better understanding of the project and allowing me to see things from an architect's perspective," said Schliesser.

Construction management students must complete three co-ops before graduation, providing them with additional hands-on experience. The BGSU co-op program is one of just three in the nation recognized for meeting the gold standard of excellence by the Accreditation and Council for Co-Op and Internship (ACCI).

Working full-time with Gilbane Building Company, while also taking classes, Murray credits the unique design of the construction management program with preparing him for his co-op.

"Implementing architectural study within construction management benefits construction managers," said Murray. "We can effectively talk with engineers, architects and owners because we have the knowledge and background of the software they use daily. We can help them with tasks and improve project efficiency."

According to Rodrigues, Murray and Schliesser are indirectly serving as role models for new and incoming construction management students. Rodrigues said he is extremely impressed with his students and finds gratification knowing they are already experiencing career success.

"Michael and Ethan's work on campus demonstrates that our students are not only qualified, but that they are also making a lasting and meaningful impact to the very built fabric of our campus master plan," said Rodrigues. "In turn, they are able to bring that exposure and their experiences into the classroom and share with their fellow students."

Changes taking place

Built in 1939 and receiving an addition in 1962, Kohl Hall, located on Wooster Street, is typically home to more than 300 students. Doors were closed for the 2024-25 academic year, allowing for improvements to campus living spaces and the addition of air conditioning to each unit.

With the addition of pod-style bathrooms, students will have individualized units with their own showers and bathroom sinks, removing the communal bathrooms. Students will also notice new carpet, tiling and finishes within the rooms and community spaces. Upgrades to the upper three floors will result in the loss of some rooms; however, office space and welcome areas on the first floor will be converted to 40 new rooms. In total, 21 new rooms will be added to Kohl Hall as part of the renovation.

As BGSU launches reimagined degrees in robotics engineering, electronic and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering, construction is underway to convert the split-level technology building into a top-tier learning space known as the Technology Engineering Innovation Center. The renovated building will include collaborative classrooms and adaptable space for cutting-edge robotics and engineering equipment.

Originally built in 1971, the Technology Building is undergoing demolition on the southern facade, an expanded footprint to the south and renovation of the existing east wing. It will also receive heating, cooling, electrical and security improvements.

In January, the final two structural beams were installed, signifying the completion of the building’s exterior structure.

One key feature of the building's design is a flexible, forward-thinking floor plan. As technology emerges and the career field advances, the Technology Engineering Innovation Center will be well-positioned to adapt spaces to support future teaching and learning needs.

Completion of the Technology Engineering Innovation Center is expected for Spring 2026.

Hands-on learning

Schliesser and Murray chose the BGSU construction management program after developing a passion for hands-on learning. Neither student entered the program immediately after graduation, initially pursuing different career paths.

"I was a pre-med student at a different university but found myself wanting something more hands-on," said Schliesser. "After doing my research, I found the construction management program at BGSU and appreciated the program's design to incorporate experiential learning in the classroom and through co-ops."

"Since my first day with Mosser, I realized I made the right career choice," added Schliesser. "I get to construct buildings of the future and apply my degree every day."

Murray was serving in the Air Force and on active duty in the Northern Tier when he began looking at BGSU to start his career in construction management.

"During that time, I learned maintenance and common tradesman skills while working on various high-level government projects. This real world experience granted me a knowledgeable management background accompanied with a drive to pursue a degree in construction management through BGSU."

Uniquely designed, nationally accredited and recognized for meeting the gold standard of excellence with its co-op program, the BGSU construction management program also touts 100% placement of graduates within six months.

"After seeing the program's success, I was immediately drawn to BGSU," Murray said. "As a veteran and someone on active duty, I recognized the accomplishment from this campus and I saw it as something I wanted to pursue."

Transitioning from the Air Force to BGSU was a great challenge, but the teaching staff and campus community made the transition seamless and easy. According to Military Times, BGSU is the No. 1 university in the Midwest for veterans and active military students. The University has maintained this ranking over the past four years.

"The construction program was the right choice for me and has prepared me to be a successful leader and mentor," added Murray.